How to Build a Google+ Network

Marketing with Google+ requires an active approach. It has plenty of people to interact with and to build a network with. You just have to find them. As with any other service, you get what you put into Google+. If you spend some time, you’ll get a lot of value out of it. How do you find people to follow you? How do you get people commenting on your posts?

Follow this advice and soon you’ll see more activity than ever:

Seek out people similar to you. The more you surround yourself with people you want to be like, the more interesting your experience will be. Look for people who have achieved the success you want to achieve. Spend time learning from them. Naturally you’ll build friendships — including some friendships with influential people.

Don’t get frustrated if someone doesn’t follow you or reciprocate when you follow him or her. Getting someone to follow you takes work. People have to get to know you first. Don’t ever ask directly, Why aren’t you following me? It’s rude. They’ll follow you when you’ve earned it.

Find interesting content. Search for and follow individuals who share interesting content. This fills your stream with interesting things that entice others to comment and participate.

Build people up, and find ways to help. If you find things that help the people you’re trying to connect with, they remember that. When you help someone, that person wants to reciprocate. Offer to help wherever possible. As Guy Kawasaki likes to say: Whenever someone says thank you, always respond with I know you would do the same for me. This really works.

Stop thinking of yourself. Think of others. Google+ isn’t about you. Well, maybe it is, but don’t think of it that way. Instead, focus on following rather than being followed. Focus on +1’ing rather than being +1’d. Share, instead of worrying about being shared. When you take this approach, people respond. Don’t make self-promotion the main thing.

Seek out face-to-face interactions. The final stamp of a relationship is when you meet in person. Google+ makes the online version of this easy through Hangouts. So, join one! You may meet a few people in the process. If you meet, bond with, and follow someone you meet during a Hangout, chances are they’ll follow you back. If you get the opportunity to meet them in person, take it.

Participate. Many people get on Google+ and just watch the stream go by. They don’t comment or post. They just watch. Then they complain that they’re not seeing any interaction on Google+. Well, you won’t see any interaction on Google+ unless you participate. Make sure you’re commenting on others’ posts, +1’ing things you like, and engaging in conversations.